Grant Application Spring

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Organization:
The Sharing Place Food Centre

Charitable Registration Number:
13148 2291 RR0001

Name of Fund being applied to:
Smart and Caring Communities Fund

Address:
95 Dufferin Street
Orillia, Ontario L3V 5S9

Contact Name:
Kelly Allen

Title:
Development Manager

Email:
kelly@sharingplaceorillia.org

Phone Number:
705-327-4273 x 106

Website:
https://sharingplaceorillia.org

Amount Requested:
4066

About the organization:

The Sharing Place Food Centre is a community based organization in Orillia, Ontario, in operation for over 35 years, and working to improve access to nutritious food and strengthen the local food system. Through a range of programs including a food bank, school based nutrition, food recovery, and community meals, we respond to immediate needs while also investing in long term, sustainable change. Our work is rooted in dignity, partnership, and a belief that everyone belongs at the table. We collaborate with schools, farmers, agencies, and residents to build a healthier and more connected community.

Proposed Project Start Date:
April 21, 2026

Proposed Project End Date:
August 31, 2026

Please briefly describe the project and how the funds will be used:

This project will purchase and install two upgraded warehouse racks, one 12 foot rack and one 8 foot rack, to support safe food storage in a high volume, volunteer driven environment. Funds will be used to install racking rated to a minimum of 5,000 lbs per shelf, replacing older, lower capacity shelving. Current shelving requires staff and volunteers to repeatedly rebalance heavy pallets using the forklift, during which aisles must be closed for safety and incoming deliveries cannot be unloaded. Upgraded racking will reduce delays, improve safety, keep aisles accessible, and support food recovery, School Fuel, and Meals 4 Change programs.

How many people will benefit from the project directly and indirectly within the geographic area covered by the CFOA:

This project will benefit all individuals served through The Sharing Place’s Food Bank, School Fuel, Food Recovery, and Meals 4 Change programs across Orillia and surrounding townships, as well as the volunteers who deliver these services. Improved safety and efficiency ensures timely, consistent access to food for the broader community.

Please list any partnerships and collaborations for this project:

n/a

Please describe any in kind contributions/volunteer labour connected to this project:

From January to March 2026, 106 volunteers contributed 3,390 hours working directly in The Sharing Place warehouse, including food recovery receiving and sorting, breakdown teams, and School Fuel preparation. These volunteers are central to daily operations and are directly affected by current storage limitations. Their time is frequently spent managing storage constraints, waiting for aisle access, or adapting workflows for safety. Upgraded racking will improve safety and efficiency for this significant in kind volunteer contribution.

How will success be evaluated?

Success will be evaluated through observable improvements in warehouse safety and efficiency following installation. Measures will include fewer safety slowdowns related to shelving load limits, a reduction in the number of times pallets must be moved to rebalance weight, and decreased forklift use for repositioning rather than receiving or distribution. We will also assess fewer instances where aisles are closed during active distribution or replenishment, resulting in time savings and smoother workflows for staff and volunteers.

Grant Request Budget

Item:
144″ Heavy Duty Pallet Rack Starter Unit, 96″ Heavy Duty Pallet Rack Starter Unit, Additional beams for pallet racks – 96″, Wire Decking x 12 units, Shipping and our portion of HST payable

Description ( if applicable):
HST rebate taken into account

$ Amount:
1235, 900, 250, 1248, 433

Total Expenses:
4066

Project Funding

Item:
n/a

Description ( if applicable):
We will upgrade racks over time, row by row, and will look for additional grants and sources of funding as we proceed

$ Amount:
0

Amount Requested from CFOA:
4066

Total Income:
4066

Budget Summary

Total Project Expenses:
4066

Total Project Income:
4066

Attachments

File Upload:
https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzNnxmaWxlbmFtZToyMDI1LUF1ZGl0ZWQtRmluYW5jaWFsLVN0YXRlbWVudHMucGRm, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzOHxmaWxlbmFtZTpUaGUtU2hhcmluZy1QbGFjZS1CT0QtTGlzdC1VcGRhdGVkLUp1bmUtMjUtMjAyNS5kb2N4, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQzOXxmaWxlbmFtZTpVTGluZS1SYWNraW5nLWVzdGltYXRlLnBkZg==, https://www.communityfoundationorillia.ca/frm_file/aWQ6MTQ0MHxmaWxlbmFtZTpDdXJyZW50LXJhY2tpbmctd2l0aC0zLjUtYmVhbXMtNDAteWVhcnMtb2xkLnBkZg==

Name:
Kelly Allen

Title:
Development Manager

Signature:

Date:
04/16/2026